The present work, presented as compendium of publications, is focused on the physiology and molecular study of species within Aspergillus section Nigri (black aspergilli) able to produce ochratoxin A (OTA). This mycotoxin is achieving an increasing attention worldwide due to its acute nephrotoxicity. It is also carcinogenic, teratogenic and is clearly an immunosuppressive agent. Since 2002 the European Commission has established limits for OTA in some food commodities. Recently, several studies have highlighted the involvement of several species of black aspergilli (A. carbonarius and A. niger aggregate) in the presence of OTA in food commodities such as grapes, raisins and wine. However, the environmental conditions which support the production of this mycotoxin by these species are still unknown. Strains of A. carbonarius and A. niger aggregate, selected to include different sources and ochratoxigenic abilities, have been included in the physiology study. The effect of substrate (CYA and YES media), temperature (5-45ºC), water activity (aw) (0. 78-0. 99) and pH (2-10) has been studied. Analysis of genetic relationships within the studied strains has been also performed through different molecular techniques (RFLP, RAPD, sequencing, ERIC-PCR, AFLP and microsatellites). The results obtained show the optimal conditions for the production of OTA in A. niger aggregate strains (YES medium, 20-25ºC, 0. 96-0. 99 aw and pH 5-10) and in A. carbonarius strains (CYA medium 0. 98-0. 99 aw and pH 5-7). With regard to the molecular characterization of the studied strains, RAPD and sequencing techniques confirm the division of the A. niger aggregate into two groups which correspond with the previously described RFLP patterns (N and T). In the case of A. carbonarius one strain differs from the rest and it may belong to the new species proposed in section Nigri, «A. ibericus». The molecular markers ERIC-PCR, AFLP and microsatellites have been useful to characterize the studied species. The most significant results have been obtained through AFLP and microsatellites. Both markers make possible the differentiation of the A. niger aggregate strains in two groups which correspond with the two RFLP patters N and T. The results obtained state the ability of A. niger aggregate and A. carbonarius strains to grow and produce OTA in wide ranges of temperature, pH, and water activity. This ability let understand the role of these ochratoxigenic species in the presence of this mycotoxin in food commodities, especially in those where they are the predominant isolated fungi.